Code of Shadows

Chapter 3 - The Encounter

Three years passed in a blur. I moved from place to place, never staying anywhere long enough to be remembered. I changed names, changed appearances, always one step ahead. But the feeling that I was being watched never left. It was like a shadow, always lurking at the edges of my awareness.

I was in a small town on the outskirts of nowhere, hiding out in an abandoned warehouse. It was late, the kind of late where the world is quiet, and every sound seems amplified. I was practicing my forms, going through the motions, my mind focused. I liked the silence, the solitude. It was the only time I felt at peace.

I was mid-kick when I heard it—a faint sound, barely audible. I froze, my senses on high alert. Someone was here. I scanned the shadows, my eyes narrowing. I couldn't see anyone, but I knew I wasn't alone. I moved silently, my feet barely making a sound as I crept towards the source of the noise.

There, by the window, I saw a figure. Tall, muscular, dressed in black. He was watching me, his eyes sharp, assessing. My heart raced, adrenaline surging through my veins. I had been careful, so careful. How had he found me?

I didn't wait to find out. I turned and bolted, my feet pounding against the concrete floor. I heard him shout, but I didn't stop. I reached the door, throwing it open, and sprinted into the night. The air was cold, biting at my skin, but I didn't care. I had to get away.

I ran through the empty streets, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I knew the area well, knew every alley and side street. I could lose him, I was sure of it. I ducked into a narrow alley, pressing myself against the wall, listening. Footsteps. They were getting closer.

I cursed under my breath, my mind racing. Who was he? What did he want? My instincts told me he was dangerous, that I couldn't trust him. But there was something else, something I couldn't quite place. A feeling that this wasn't just a random encounter. That he had been looking for me.

I peeked around the corner, my eyes scanning the street. He was there, moving silently, his eyes focused. I could see his face now, the sharp angles, the intense gaze. He didn't look like the kind of person you wanted to cross. But neither was I.

I stepped out of the shadows, my stance ready, my eyes locked on him. "Who are you?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart.

He stopped, his eyes meeting mine. There was a moment of silence, a tense standoff. Then he spoke, his voice calm, measured. "My name is Ethan Hunt. I'm with the IMF."

IMF. The words meant nothing to me, but the way he said them, the confidence in his voice, made me pause. "What do you want?" I asked, my eyes narrowing.

He took a step closer, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to hurt you, Alex. I'm here to help you."

I laughed, the sound bitter. "Help me? Why would I believe that?"

"Because I know what happened to your parents," he said, his voice softening. "I know why they were killed."

My breath caught in my throat, my mind reeling. How did he know? What did he know? I wanted to demand answers, but the words wouldn't come. I could only stare at him, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Come with me," he said, holding out his hand. "I can tell you everything. I can help you find the people responsible."

I hesitated, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Trust no one. Those were the words I lived by. But there was something in his eyes, a sincerity that made me want to believe him. I didn't know why, but I felt like I could trust him.

I took a step back, my mind racing. I couldn't make this decision now, not with my heart pounding in my ears. "I need time," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

Ethan nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I understand. But remember this, Alex. You're not alone. You don't have to be alone."

I turned and ran, my mind a mess of thoughts and emotions. I didn't stop until I was far away, the night swallowing me. Ethan Hunt. IMF. The words echoed in my mind, a promise of answers, a chance for revenge. I didn't know if I could trust him, but I knew one thing for sure.

My past was catching up to me, and I couldn't run forever.

I found myself at the edge of town, the distant lights of the city a faint glow on the horizon. I leaned against a tree, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps. My mind was spinning, trying to process everything that had happened. Ethan Hunt. IMF. My parents. It was too much. I needed to think, to figure out what to do.

I glanced back towards the town, half expecting to see Ethan following me, but the streets were empty. I felt a pang of guilt, a flicker of doubt. What if he was telling the truth? What if he really could help me find out what happened to my parents? I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away. I couldn't afford to trust him. Not yet. Not without proof.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I needed to be smart, to think things through. I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgment. I was Alex Montgomery, a ghost, a fighter. I couldn't let my guard down. Not for anyone.

But even as I told myself that, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was making a mistake. That maybe, just maybe, Ethan Hunt was the ally I'd been looking for. The one person who could help me find the truth.

I stood there for a long time, the night stretching out around me, the stars hidden behind a blanket of clouds. I knew I had a choice to make. A choice that could change everything. I could keep running, keep hiding, or I could take a chance, trust Ethan, and face my past head-on.

I didn't know what the right choice was. But I knew one thing.

I couldn't keep running forever.